Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Inflammatory markers such as neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as potential prognostic indicators due to their role in tumor-associated inflammation and immune response modulation. Preoperative assessment of these markers may help predict clinical outcomes, including tumor progression, recurrence, and survival. Evaluating NLR and PLR in breast cancer patients could guide risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies. Aims: To assess the predictive value of preoperative NLR and PLR in determining clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months, including 70 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer at a tertiary care center. Preoperative evaluation included detailed history, physical examination, and routine laboratory investigations. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected before any surgical or therapeutic intervention. Complete blood counts were performed, and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated. Patients were followed for treatment response, recurrence, and early outcomes. Statistical analysis included correlation of NLR and PLR with tumor stage, grade, lymph node involvement, and short-term clinical outcomes. Results: The mean age of patients was 52.4 ± 10.6 years. Higher preoperative NLR (>3) was observed in 32 (45.7%) patients, while elevated PLR (>150) was noted in 28 (40%) patients. Patients with elevated NLR and PLR demonstrated a higher incidence of advanced tumor stage, lymph node positivity, and poor short-term outcomes. Both NLR and PLR showed significant correlation with tumor progression (p < 0.05), suggesting predictive value in prognosis. Conclusion: Preoperative NLR and PLR are simple, cost-effective markers that can predict tumor aggressiveness and clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Incorporating these markers into preoperative assessment may aid in risk stratification and individualized treatment planning. Further studies with longer follow-up are warranted to validate these findings.

Breast cancer, Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Prognostic markers, Preoperative prediction.